Chapter 59: The 'Test' Tournament [8]

"Let the games begin!" said the man, his voice a sinister one that sent chills down spines.

He stood, cloaked in darkness, the fabric of his cloak merging seamlessly with the shadows.

His mask, obscuring all but his eyes, revealed deep black orbs filled with a disturbing, almost ecstatic joy.

The cloak seemed to drink in the light, rendering him nearly invisible had he not chosen to step into the spotlight.

Perched on top of an iron tablet bathed in a stark, cold light, his figure remained an ominous silhouette. 

"Wha—" Violeth's words died on her lips as realization dawned on her, her eyes widening with horror at what was about to unfold.

Thud.

With a swift motion, the man raised his right arm and brought it crashing down onto the iron tablet beneath him.

The wires suspending it snapped with a resounding twang, and jaws dropped in unison across the room.